Oklahoma City woke up this Sunday, July 5, to mostly clear skies and a near-perfect 68°F, but the comfortable start is not sticking around for long. A slight chance of showers or a rumble of thunder is on the table between 7 and 10 a.m., and then the heat and humidity take over, sending afternoon highs into the low 90s, around 93°F, with heat-index values pushing close to 98°F. Light east-northeast winds will not offer much relief, so expect it to feel muggy rather than breezy.
What To Expect
According to the National Weather Service Norman office, strong to severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening across parts of southern Oklahoma and into western north Texas, with large hail and damaging winds as the main concerns. For central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City metro, the severe threat looks more isolated, but gusty outflow winds and brief heavy downpours are still in play this afternoon and evening.
Looking beyond today, the forecast cranks the thermostat up even higher by midweek. Highs are expected to reach near 101°F on Wednesday, July 8, and near 103°F on Thursday, July 9, with heat-index values climbing well into the dangerous range for anyone working or lingering outside.
Plan For The Heat
Officials and common sense agree on the basics. Shift strenuous outdoor work, yard projects, and runs to early morning or evening hours, and keep water handy throughout the day. Check on neighbors who are elderly or medically vulnerable, since this kind of heat can sneak up fast.
If you have leftover Independence Day fireworks or other weekend plans, build in a backup for both rain and heat. Have a shady spot or an air-conditioned place to duck into if storms fire up or temperatures spike. Keep pets inside during the hottest stretch of the day and never leave them in parked cars, even briefly.
Earlier Coverage
We first flagged this hot-and-stormy setup in a piece on searing heat after rough storms back on June 26. Today’s update mostly sharpens the focus on storm timing across southern Oklahoma and the march toward triple-digit heat later this week. We will post new updates if any watches or warnings are issued.
